Awe and Wonder: The Works of ZBrush Artist Mr. Dmitry Blagorodov

Awe and Wonder: The Works of ZBrush Artist Mr. Dmitry Blagorodov

by Joshua Diokno November 29, 2017 0

We can’t help but be amazed with Mr. Dmitry Blagorodov. They are mixture of pleasant curiosities that make us dream or stare at what can otherwise be thought of as scary. You simply cannot look away.

And his mastery is a result of having to specialize in numerous software. Not merely for the faint of heart, but for the betterment of his craft. And boy aren’t we grateful that he had chosen to be a Jack-of-All-Trades.

Mr. Blagorodov has had a great deal of Pop Culture references that would give any geek a run for his money. He had used his references quite well to dream up things we can contemplate upon; things that would espouse a sense of wonder in even the most realistic and pessimistic of us.

So we sat down with Mr. Dmitry Blagorodov to get to know his experiences and aspirations that led him to create such awe-inspiring pieces.

Xeno Creatives (XC): ZBrush technology is a game changer. It widened the avenues of expression, technique, and style for 3D artists. What processes did you have to learn to be skilled in it?

Dmitry Blagorodov (DB): When working with ZBrush you need to have basic knowledge of anatomy, composition, be able to work with shapes. In my case, I was helped by my drawing skills in 2D graphics, artistic and architectural education. After all, ZBrush is also drawing—drawing in 3D.

XC: What made you decide to focus on ZBrush as a creation medium? Are you still planning on venturing into other software?

DB: I did not immediately come to the decision to do 3D graphics. Like many beginner concept artists, I thought that it was enough to be able to draw in 2D alone, in Photoshop and other similar applications. This is not true! It’s a misconception. Such techniques as sculpting/modeling and photo-bashing/matte painting very much untie the hands of the artist—and also accelerate his work. I advise all novice artists to learn several techniques all at once.

Now I’m simultaneously starting to use 3D-Coat.

Having seen the works of Neville Page and Daniel Simon, I decided that 2D graphics alone will not be enough for future designs. =)

XC: What do you consider your influences? What attracted you to these?

DB: I like to invent creatures and different mechanical things, transport, robots. I grew up on films such as a “Predator”, “Aliens”, “Terminator”, and “Star Wars”. These were my first, main reference.

XC: What other pieces do you still want to create?

DB: I recently started studying concept art; I was in search of myself. But I can definitely say that I always liked it. As a boy who grew up on “TMNT”, “Robocop” and “Batman” I knew that sooner or later, I had to do it. 😉

As an artist who specializes in science fiction, I still hope to begin working on the design of the environment in the near future. I am greatly inspired by the landscapes and cities of films like” Avatar”, “Prometheus”, “Oblivion”, “Thor”, and others.

XC: Do you have to be good in human anatomy when working with ZBrush?

DB: Yes, when creating a character, I imagine in detail how it moves, talks, I think about its plasticity, its habitat. This is a very exciting process. I’m going into it with my head; I’m saturated with love for my work. It seems to me that any artist, and especially in this industry should be a child inside. He MUST be a child inside.

XC: Do you see yourself in the movie and television industry? And do you also see yourself in Game Character Design?

DB: For now I am working in the animation and game industry. But my main goal is the film industry. I want to watch my animated characters on the movie screen; empathize with them. I believe that cinema is pure magic. A lot of people work on one product for a year and getting delightful results. In the near future, I would really like to work with such giants as ILM, Weta Digital or MPC, for example. 😉 It would also be interesting to work with AAA game projects, like “Gears of War”, “Bioshock” and “Mortal Kombat”.

XC: If you weren’t working as a 3D artist, what do you think you’d be specializing in instead?

DB: If I were not a concept artist or an illustrator, then most likely I would be engaged in graphic design. I still do logos, corporate styles, and identity from time to time. I also like the detailed study of concepts, and abstract, creating something minimalistic, graphic. Or maybe I would be an astronaut … Just kidding! =)

XC: What advice can you give individuals wanting to enter the industry?

DB: I want to advise all beginning digital artists not to be discouraged at first steps, looking at the work of great masters. We must understand that they have not learned in one day that the path is not easy, full of ups and downs. Practice. Only practice. Another adviser would be to search for references among real objects, photos and observations. Do not copy other people’s work; do not be mere clones. The most important thing is to have your own, unique style. These days, all the art-resources are full of similar works—they are just teeming with them. You will be loved for what you are, not for the ability to imitate. Patience is all it takes. That and work of course. Good luck! 😉

Thank you Mr. Dmitry Blagorodov for giving us the chance to get to know you better. Your works are definitely noteworthy.